Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman will always be remembered for his walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees. That home run instantly became part of Dodgers lore, mentioned in the same breath as Kirk Gibson’s iconic blast.
The Dodgers went on to win their second World Series title in five seasons, beating the Yankees in five games. Freeman earned World Series MVP honors. But after the win, he also found out he had impacted lives far beyond the field.
Freddie Freeman Shares Story Behind Iconic World Series Walk-Off
Freeman joined Chris Rose on Chris Rose Sports to talk about his memorable World Series moment. Rose asked him, “Who came up to you this offseason with a special World Series memory or story? Something from that home run that stood out?”
Freeman responded with a touching story:
“I actually have a couple. I’ve had many people that have tattoos of me now on them, but I think the most memorable one—we had our Dodgerfest and I did a luncheon. A guy told a story about how he was in right field with his two boys.
“He used to drink when he came to games — a lot. But that day, he didn’t drink because he wanted to be more present with his kids. He said the ball flew over his head, and he hasn’t had a drink since.
“His boys wanted to go to the field the next day to play baseball and do it over and over again.
“He told me that story, and that’s what sports can do. It can change people’s lives. I’m not trying to go out and do that, but when you hear something like that, it gives you a renewed sense of purpose.”
It was a powerful reminder of the unexpected ways athletes can influence lives. While alcohol addiction is a serious issue, that story showed how one moment, one home run, could help spark real change.
Freeman was named the 2024 World Series MVP after batting .250 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in 13 postseason games. He also had a .291 on-base percentage and one stolen base.
He had a stellar 2024 season, slashing .282/.378/.467 with 22 homers and 89 RBIs in 147 regular-season games. He was also named to his eighth All-Star team.
Freeman previously won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. Now a two-time champion, he continues to make an impact both on and off the field.